I have worked with Ben for almost 10 years now, having initially coached and conditioned him as a player.
Ben was the one of the most professional and dedicated players I have worked with.
Subsequently I have worked with him on an annual basis when he has visited to coach in South Africa as a defence consultant for us.
His coaching abilities and knowledge of the game is of the highest standard.
He has the ability to manage players, and to get the best out of them so that they can succeed on and off the field.
Because of his passion for the game and great communication skills, players always find it easy and professional working with him.
Ben is not just good technically and tactically, but he has a very good knowledge of the physiological demands that the game places on players at an elite level.
Jacus Coetzee
Head of Strength and Conditioning Puk Rugby Institute, advisor to Leopards Currie Cup team, former assistant Cheetahs Super 15
Ben is like a breath of fresh air when it comes to speed, strength and rugby training.
I met Ben in 2004 when we played together for the Leopards (South Africa).
Ben always led by example and he was a perfect role model for me as young player, pursuing a career as a professional rugby player.
Ben took that professional attitude from the playing field straight into his coaching career and has raised the bar to another level!!
Ronnie Cooke
Southern Kings - Super 15, Grenoble, Brive, Cheetahs and Leopards
I have had the great privilege of knowing Ben Pegna since 2001.
Ben and I coached together for two years, and I have constantly consulted him for advice since he moved back to the UK.
His holistic approach to coaching is what makes him special.
Ben genuinely cares about the well-being of his players - mentoring young people is a real passion of his, and he takes tremendous joy in seeing those under him develop both on and off the field.
Indeed, Ben realises the importance of personal development in creating elite sportsmen.
As a coach, he enjoys a wide range of technical knowledge. I have always valued his uncompromising approach, particularly to the breakdown and defence.
He has also worked hard in recent years to immerse himself in the latest strength and conditioning trends - providing a full spectrum of skills to young players.
Ben is thorough in his planning, uncompromising in his pursuit of excellence, but deeply understanding of his player’s needs. I can wholeheartedly recommend him.
Dave Wessels
Western Force Super 15 Defence coach, former Brumbies assistant coach
Ben helped me massively with my strength and conditioning and my rehab from injury.
It made a massive difference to my performance in the world 7s series in 2011/12.
Chris Brightwell
England 7s, Sale Sharks
Having worked and played with Ben over an 8 year span, I can easily say that his attention to detail and knowledge is paramount, whether that be in rugby or strength and conditioning.
Chris Cracknell
England 7s, Bath and Worcester
Ben's got a lot of passion for rugby and knows how to work with people no matter who they are and where they come from.
Retief Uys
Leopards - Currie cup South Africa
Narbonne, and Brive, France Top14
In 2006 I met fellow player Ben Pegna in the Wasps changing rooms prior to us heading out for an early morning tackling session with then coach, Shaun Edwards.
We had a lot in common and immediately got on well. Ben was friendly, keen and serious about succeeding.
Just how motivated Ben was, became clear when he walked back into the changing room half an hour later covered in a mixture of his own and other peoples blood!
In the seven years since, Ben has become one of my closest friends.
Though he is now retired as a player, Ben hasn't stopped putting himself on the line for people.
Ben has stood by and supported me in all walks of life including my career, my marriage and my faith.
Dan Leo
Queensland Reds, London Wasps, UBB, Perpignan, Barbarians
Manu Samoa and the Pacific Islanders - two world cups
Testimonials
